Indiana Agencies Received $47,532,985 Million to Date.

(Indianapolis) - The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust presented $1,606,000 in grants to 21 Indiana agencies Monday, November 15. More than 70 guests representing the nonprofit organizations attended the check presentation at Second Helpings, Inc., 1121 Southeastern Avenue.

"Our funding helps people in need, protects animals and nature, and enriches community life in Indiana and Arizona, the states Mrs. Pulliam called home," explained Harriet M. Ivey, president and chief executive officer of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. "Five of today's grantees are first-time recipients of the Trust's giving. Grants range from $15,000 to $200,000," Ivey added.

This is the third of the Trust's three funding rounds for 2004. Since the Trust began making grants in 1998, it has committed $47,532,985 to 296 nonprofit organizations in Indiana.

"As the Trust completes its seventh year of funding, we are most pleased with the long-term impact of our grant dollars and the relationships and programs established with our family of grantees," said Trustee Carol Peden Schatt. "Nina would have been so proud of the work her dollars are supporting today," she added.

"The Trust will be a part of this community for many years to come - during the next 43 years of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust's 50-year life and, more importantly, through the legacy of your work," Trustee Chairman Frank E. Russell stated to the Indiana organization representatives attending.

Trustee Nancy Russell updated the audience about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, which opens doors of higher education for men and women who are often overlooked for traditional college scholarships.

"We are very pleased that many of our Nina Scholars are referred from nonprofit organizations the Trust supports," Russell said.

This fall, our fourth cohort of Nina Scholars, five at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and 12 at Ivy Tech State College, Central Indiana Campus, joined the 35 Nina Scholars previously enrolled at the two schools. Additionally, 12 Nina Scholars already have graduated. The Nina Scholars application process begins in January of each year. Information about the Nina Scholars program may be found on the Trust's web site.

The Trust, which also makes grants in Arizona, had approximately $334 million in assets as of September 30, 2004.

The next deadline for nonprofit organizations to apply for funding is January 14, 2005.

Applications may be obtained by writing to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, 135 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 1200, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or by calling 317-231-6075; or through the Application page on our web site.